FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed a month-long ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine during the World Cup in Qatar.
At an appearance at the G20 summit of the most important industrialized and emerging countries in Bali, Infantino (52) suggested that from the start of the World Cup on Sunday until the final on December 18th the guns were silent. “We are not naive and think that football can solve the world’s problems,” said the head of the world football association. However, the World Cup could be “an occasion for a positive gesture or a sign”.
He appealed to the participants at the summit – in addition to numerous heads of state and government such as US President Joe Biden and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov – he said: “You are the leaders of the world. You have the opportunity to change the course of history influence.” Infantino added: “My request to all of you is to consider a temporary one-month ceasefire for the duration of the World Cup. Or at least the introduction of humanitarian corridors or anything else that will lead to the resumption of dialogue.”
Lunch with the G20 countries
Infantino attended a luncheon hosted by the G20 countries, hosted by Indonesia. The FIFA boss also reminded that Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup and Ukraine is bidding for the 2030 tournament. “Football unites the world,” he said. Overall, the World Cup will be followed by five billion TV viewers.
IOC chief Thomas Bach was also represented at the G20 summit on the holiday island of Bali. He also called for finding ways to bring about peace. In Olympic history there is also the tradition of the “Olympic Truce” from the time of Greek antiquity. This means that no war should actually be waged during the Olympic Games. But the “Olympic Truce” was repeatedly violated.
